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1) Wide Receiver: The Rams lack a real weapon in the passing game that defenses have to take into consideration. They're focusing on Amendola, which has helped free up Brandon Gibson a little bit, but averaging 55 ypg as arguably the team's go-to guy isn't getting it done. A true difference maker at receiver is needed, not only to help Bradford be all that he can be but also to force defenses to defend the pass, thus helping Steven Jackson in the running game.

2) Outside LB: The only linebacker of note on this team is James Laurinaitis. The Rams have been trying to get by with band aids at the OLB spots for two seasons now, and they're simply not getting very good play from the positions. Some would argue that David Vobora is a decent enough SAM 'backer, but really, both starting outside spots could use an upgrade.

3) 4-3 Pass Rusher (RE or UT): Let's face it, the Rams can't bank on Fred Robbins or James Hall playing as well as they have this season. Hall's production is already slowing down as the season wears on. A RDE to take over for Hall and an upgrade at DT (for both Robbins and beside him, as Gibson/Cudjo probably aren't the answers) would be great.

4) Offensive Guard: There have been times this season where Adam Goldberg has simply been abused, and Greco can't seem to stay healthy enough to challenge for that job. Jacob Bell has been very up and down during his stay on the team. While pass protection has been solid, the Rams lack the run blocking efficiency you'd like to see from a team with a Top 3 RB. They rank third in the league in negative rushing plays when running up the middle. It all starts up front.

5) Running Back (back-up/future starter): Steven Jackson can't keep carrying the load by himself. He's done it too long, and his body is starting to wear down already. If the Rams could find their own version of Jonathan Stewart or Felix Jones - a borderline starting running back to share the load with Jackson in a power running game - I think it would not only help prolong Jackson's career but also make the running attack that much more dangerous.

6) Strong Safety: This isn't #6 on my list because I don't think it's a big need; it's #6 because I think other positions are bigger needs. But the fact remains that the Rams could definitely use an upgrade at strong safety. Butler is adequate at best, and Dahl is hot and cold. I don't like his man coverage skills, but he's a hard hitter who isn't afraid to make a tackle. He's a serviceable back-up and special teams player, but he's been forced into the starting line-up.

Comment

I agree with a lot of what you guys are saying here. I think that this team has come a long way talent-wise. The thing is that we were so low on talent when Spags got here, and free agents were passing on playing here, that building a strong group of talent has been a slow process. I think that this offseason will produce fruits of the last two seasons' labor.

Wide receiver is an area of concern, but it is a bit tricky as well. Amendola is a great 3rd receiver, and would be much more productive if their were two polished receivers around him. At this point defenses are able to give him attention, which has resulted in him only averaging about 8 yards per catch.

Danario Alexander and Donnie Avery have the talent to be those two guys, but health may continue to be an ongoing issue. Laurent Robinson has also showed that he can be a player, but has the same knock. Gibson appears to be coming along well but is still developing.

My take on adding a WR is that we should either move up in the draft to get a bonafide stud like A.J. Green or bring in a seasoned veteran who still has a few good years in him, like a Vincent Jackson. To bring in another talented "project" player who would likely just take a roster spot from one of the aforementioned players seems fruitless to me.

Outside linebacker is an absolute necessity. Every year in the draft there is a stud that falls to the second round due to the fact that linebacker is considered to be less of a necessity; this is how Laurinitis came to us last year. This position absolutely needs addressing. Time and time again I see Grant and Vobora making tackles 5 yards off the line of scrimmage that should be 2 yard gains.

Our offensive tackles seem to be getting it, and now it is time to beef up the middle. I have often said that excellent lunchpail linemen can be had in the 3rd round every year. John Moffitt from Wisconsin comes to mind.

I also have the belief that you can never have too many corners. It would not bother me to see us add to the secondary, whether it be via the draft or free agency.

Comment

Everyone agrees that wide receiver seems to be one of our biggest needs. However, we have a stable full of young and talented receivers. Just curious, but if everyone was healthy entering next season and we drafted another rookie WR in the first three rounds, who do you think the Rams should keep?

Alexander, Danario - I can't see us dumping DA with the talent he's flashed and the cheap contract he's signed to.
Amendola, Danny - Is an ideal slot receiver/return man. Can't see him gone.
Avery, Donnie - Constantly injured, but can play when healthy. To early to give up on him?
Clayton, Mark - Looked like a top 10 receiver when healthy. Could only imagine what he would look like with the entire playbook learned.
Gibson, Bradon - Arguably our most reliable receiver, but lacks talent compared to other receivers.
Gilyard, Marty - guy is an idiot and can't get on the field because he hasn't learned the playbook.
Robinson, Laurent - Just doesn't look like the guy from '09 and has constant injury issues. May be the odd man out.

Comment

I'm watching Florida-Penn St and am really impressed with Mike Pouncey. I highly doubt he makes it to the 2nd round, but if he were to slide he would be an excellent snag. Should be an excellent road grader just like his brother, who made the pro bowl this year as a rookie.

Comment

1) WR: watching this offense dink and dunk Bradford to 3,500 yards makes you wonder what kind of numbers the offense could put up with a legitimate number one receiver (don't kid yourself the team didn't have one at any point this year). Adding a true number one will have a drastic effect on both sides of the ball. It would open up the run game and allow solid receivers like Amendola, Clayton, and Alexander to work one on one. Scoring output will increase allowing the defense to focus on getting after the passer an protecting a lead.

2) RE: a legit blindside pass-rusher would do a lot to improve this defense. provided the Rams can get a legit #1 wideout or at least keep Clayton healthy this team is going to put up points so finishing teams off will depend on the ability to get sacks and force errant throws with pressure.

3) OG: Jackson's 3.7 yards per carry average isn't just a result of his declining skill set. This teams rushing attack is predicated on spreading the field and running the ball into the void created in the middle. To do so the O-line has too win the battle up front and ideally get to the second level, too often the interior of the line wasn't able to do so. I credit the Rams for being able to convert so many third and longs but with a Back like Jackson 2nd and managable should be the norm.

4) OLB/SS: This team is in desperate need of upgrades at the second and third level of the defense. I've listed them together as I think an upgrade in either area would make a huge impact.

5) TE: A legit receiving tightend would make a world of difference for Sam Bradford. Its tough to name a top-flight QB that doesn't have a big-time target at the TE position. Reduced turnovers, redzone TDs, and help in the rungame would come with the addition of a dynamic player at the TE.

Note: At the risk of sounding like Al Davis, add some speed at receiver if you can't get a number one WR. I know Denario is the "big play guy" but at best he can only play 25 snaps a game or his body (knees) will wear out. Someone else has to be able to step in and take the top off the defense for the remaining 40 plus snaps.

Comment

Hopefully before the draft the Rams make an impact in the Free Agent market. If they can bring in a big name player then thier draft will be much easier. By winning this season and Bradford putting up big numbers with a group of no name Wide Receivers, then possibly a big name Wide Recevier Free Agent might want to become a Ram and then the Rams could do more in the draft with the other positions.

Comment

1) WR: watching this offense dink and dunk Bradford to 3,500 yards makes you wonder what kind of numbers the offense could put up with a legitimate number one receiver (don't kid yourself the team didn't have one at any point this year). Adding a true number one will have a drastic effect on both sides of the ball. It would open up the run game and allow solid receivers like Amendola, Clayton, and Alexander to work one on one. Scoring output will increase allowing the defense to focus on getting after the passer an protecting a lead.

2) RE: a legit blindside pass-rusher would do a lot to improve this defense. provided the Rams can get a legit #1 wideout or at least keep Clayton healthy this team is going to put up points so finishing teams off will depend on the ability to get sacks and force errant throws with pressure.

3) OG: Jackson's 3.7 yards per carry average isn't just a result of his declining skill set. This teams rushing attack is predicated on spreading the field and running the ball into the void created in the middle. To do so the O-line has too win the battle up front and ideally get to the second level, too often the interior of the line wasn't able to do so. I credit the Rams for being able to convert so many third and longs but with a Back like Jackson 2nd and managable should be the norm.

4) OLB/SS: This team is in desperate need of upgrades at the second and third level of the defense. I've listed them together as I think an upgrade in either area would make a huge impact.

5) TE: A legit receiving tightend would make a world of difference for Sam Bradford. Its tough to name a top-flight QB that doesn't have a big-time target at the TE position. Reduced turnovers, redzone TDs, and help in the rungame would come with the addition of a dynamic player at the TE.

Note: At the risk of sounding like Al Davis, add some speed at receiver if you can't get a number one WR. I know Denario is the "big play guy" but at best he can only play 25 snaps a game or his body (knees) will wear out. Someone else has to be able to step in and take the top off the defense for the remaining 40 plus snaps.

This would be my 1-5, I might switch #5 from TE to DT.

Comment

I agree that DT is important, but I think that if your gonna give Sam Bradford 50 million you better give him an arsenal to go with it. If I'm the Rams' GM I follow the Colts model and stack the offense with early round talent.

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I agree that DT is important, but I think that if your gonna give Sam Bradford 50 million you better give him an arsenal to go with it. If I'm the Rams' GM I follow the Colts model and stack the offense with early round talent.

I just like what I've seen from Illinois Mike this season and think he can be a very good Tight End and I have high hopes for Fendi.

Comment

Fendi is a big-time project. Even if he develops his receiving skills, he's going to be limited as a blocker, and the Rams like their tight ends to help run block.

As for Hoomanawanui, he's shown some flashes but durability is becoming a concern. Two significant ankle sprains this season as well as a rib injury. Can he hold up to the punishment a starting TE is going to take?

I wouldn't be outraged if the Rams saw a viable starting tight end in free agency and went after him.